A romantic mill ruin in a deep valley. A stream with cascades and small pools runs past it. A mysterious place surrounded by rocks and forest.
A ruin wrapped in mystery
Dolský mlýn (the Dolský Mill) is a romantic ruin hidden in a deep valley between Jetřichovice and Vysoká Lípa. The remains of the old mill walls, overgrown with moss and ivy, stand on the bank of a stream that forms cascades and small emerald pools here. The place has a completely unique atmosphere — especially in the morning mist, when time seems to stop and the ruin comes alive with stories from centuries past. No wonder photographers travel here from all over the country.
A film set from The Proud Princess
Dolský mlýn became famous as a location for the 1952 fairy tale film The Proud Princess. To this day it is one of the most visited film locations in Bohemia. When you stand among the ruins and look around at the rock walls and waterfalls, you understand at once why the filmmakers chose this place. The fairy-tale atmosphere here is tangible — quite literally. Children and adults alike can wade in the shallow stream or explore the rock alcoves nearby.
A sandstone amphitheatre and natural scenery
The area around the mill is among the most photogenic in all of Bohemian Switzerland. Massive sandstone rocks surround the valley on every side and form a natural amphitheatre with perfect acoustics — try clapping and listen to the echo. In summer the valley is pleasantly cool and shaded, an ideal refuge from the heat. In autumn the trees blaze with gold, orange and red, and the whole place looks like an impressionist painting.
Routes and tips for your visit
You can reach Dolský mlýn from Jetřichovice along the yellow waymarked trail — the walk takes about 45 minutes and is mostly downhill, so it is easy going. On the way back you can continue to Vysoká Lípa and return in a loop, or simply retrace your steps. We recommend bringing water shoes — wading in the stream by the mill is an experience above all for children. The site is open all year round, free of charge, and it is never crowded. It is most magical early in the morning or in the evening, when the other visitors have gone and you have the whole valley to yourself. Do not forget a charged phone or camera — you will want to photograph every step.
Photo gallery
